Prison Journalism: Christmas in Prison

Prison Journalism: Christmas in PrisonJermaine's first time in Pollsmoor Correctional Centre was in 2018 when he was sentenced to six months behind bars.

by Jermaine Nomdoe

18-12-2023 09:56

in Prison Journalism

Christmas in prison. Image: Gerd Altmann via Pixabay

I want to share my experiences of spending three consecutive Christmases and New Year's in prison. These festive seasons, usually times of joy and celebration, were markedly different for me, marked by tasteless meals, strict regulations, and a sense of isolation.

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Life Inside During the Holidays I was incarcerated three times during Christmas and New Year's. It was not a pleasant experience. The meals, consisting of white corn and vegetables, were bland as the chicken was cooked without salt. The most difficult aspect was the lack of visitation rights during Christmas and New Year's Eve. Moreover, the wardens didn't permit any exercise. My initial year in prison, which coincided with Christmas, was spent in Pollsmoor medium security, specifically in the A camp. Later, I decided to work, leading to my transfer to a different section where prisoners who worked outside were housed.

Christmas in Prison: A World Apart As Christmas approached, it was hard to ignore the outside celebrations. People in Westlake could be heard joyously shouting Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Being in prison during this time of the year felt particularly unjust, with the inability to freely access basic comforts like a refrigerator.

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The Struggle for Normalcy The food during Christmas was especially disappointing. I often traded the white corn we received for bread. I missed the comfort of my home, especially my mother's trifle dessert and other traditional dishes. The wardens were indifferent, offering no reprieve, not even an hour of exercise. Confined to my cell, I relied on a radio for distraction.

Meal times were early in prison during the festive season, after which we were confined to our cells. The wardens barely acknowledged us, their attention limited to inmate counts and routine checks.

Freedom and Reflection Having been released, this is now my second Christmas at home. As a transformed individual, I've gained new perspectives and a deeper understanding of life. I am keen to share my experiences and learnings with those still in prison, especially about enduring festive seasons in confinement and the changes it brings to one's life.

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DISCLAIMER: Submission published as received

RESTORE is an NGO based in Cape Town, South Africa, providing inmates at Pollsmoor Prison with restorative justice opportunities.

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